State environmental officials on Monday declared that the Connecticut River Valley Region that includes Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties has worsened to a Level 2 Significant Drought, despite as much as 3 feet of snow this winter.
According to data analyzed and collected by the Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Drought Management Task Force, the Central and Northeast Regions are now in a Level 3 Critical Drought. In other regions in the state, conditions slightly improved in Nantucket County, which is now at a Level 2 Significant Drought, or stayed the same in the Southeast and Cape Cod Regions and Dukes County.
Despite significant snowfall, the worsened drought conditions are due to limited groundwater recharge this winter. Officials said most of that water is still locked in snow because February temperatures stayed well below freezing; the ground was also frozen. Even when it melts, the snow equals only about 2.5 inches of water, which is not enough to fully recharge rivers, lakes, ponds, and groundwater after months of below-average precipitation and overall substantial water deficits.
The above-normal temperatures that the state is now experiencing and the upcoming rains will start to slowly replenish water systems and be reflected in monthly totals for the month of March, officials said.
“This drought has been building since 2024, and we’re still seeing the effects in low streamflow and lower water levels across the state,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Even though we had a snowy February, it won’t be enough to replenish the groundwater after such a long period of drought. That’s why it’s important for everyone to be mindful of how we use water. Small actions can help protect our water supply while conditions recover.”
Drought is a look back at conditions over a period of time. The Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) collected and analyzed data from August 2024 through the end of February 2026.
Communities and individuals living and working within a Level 2 Significant Drought are encouraged to minimize overall water use; follow local water use restrictions; fix indoor leaks, such as from toilets, faucets, and showers, which result in more than 60% of indoor use; and for larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities.
Residents can report dry environmental conditions and submit photos to help monitor the situation on the Massachusetts Water Impact Reporter (here). Additionally, a FAQ is now available for questions regarding the current drought status and water conservation; and private well owners can go here for information on how the drought may impact them.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to assist communities in managing their water systems. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not experiencing drought conditions.